Early voting off to busy start in Indian River County

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Early voting got off to a busy start in Indian River County, with lines forming early at all three county polling sites.

By 1 p.m., elections specialist Anne Kroh said 2,822 people had cast early ballots, with 889 voting at the Supervisor of Elections Office, 887 in Sebastian and 1,046 at the Indian River County Main Library.

By the end of the day, 4,417 voters had cast their ballots countywide.

At Sebastian City Hall, Elections Clerk Bob Farrell said about 25 people were in line before the polls opened promptly at 7 a.m. The lines were busiest between 10 a.m. and noon, Farrell said.

"Everything has been going great," said Farrell, who estimated that at least 800 people had voted by noon. "We've had absolutely no problems and waiting times have been less than five minutes. My people are diligent and have been working hard all morning."

Amy Poplar of Sebastian cast her vote at City Hall around noon, and said she was taking advantage of early voting for the first time.

"I was trying to avoid the lines," said Poplar. "It was so easy to vote today and the system seemed very organized — just in and out. I feel better now that I've voted and I don't have to worry about it."

At the Indian River County Main Library, the line of waiting voters snaked through the lobby from one entrance to another at 11 a.m., but voters seemed to take the wait in stride. Election officials said they were happy to see the crowds, and thanked people for voting as they left the polling place.

Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Leslie Swan said early voting was steady throughout the first day.

"It's going great," said Swan. "It is taking people about 15 minutes to get through the line and it really looks like they've done their homework. They're not in the voting booth as long as I anticipated."

Swan said there has been little trouble with identification at any of the polling sites, and people came prepared with their photo ID.

"Since we just completed redistricting, our rolls are very clean," said Swan. "So far, so good."

Earle Boyter of Vero Beach cast his ballot at the Supervisor of Elections office and said he thought the process was fairly organized but a bit noisy.

"In the voting area, people were talking and telling others who they were voting for," said Boyter. "That wasn't something I expected."

Early voting continues from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 3, including Sunday.